Clayton, GA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Clayton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Clayton, GA sits in the heart of northeast Georgia's mountain country, drawing visitors year-round with outdoor recreation, leaf-peeping season, and summer getaways. With 113 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $31,559, the market offers meaningful income potential — though an average occupancy rate of 25% (below the 32% state average) and a 50% year-over-year increase in listing supply signal that competition is intensifying. At an average daily rate of $234 and average home values around $681,376, Clayton rewards investors who source deals carefully and optimize for seasonal peaks.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Clayton short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Clayton

Clayton appeals to STR investors looking for mountain-market exposure in a popular Georgia vacation corridor where larger properties can command premium nightly rates.

Expert Market Assessment

"Clayton represents a competitive opportunity — the ROI score of 53 out of 100 reflects solid demand fundamentals tempered by rising supply and moderate occupancy. Revenue is heavily seasonal: July peaks at $4,555 in average monthly revenue while January dips to just $1,180, a nearly 4:1 spread that investors must account for in cash-flow planning. The market rewards larger, amenity-rich properties that can capture premium rates, and selective deal sourcing will be critical given average home values above $681,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Clayton

Average revenue by month in Clayton

Clayton's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal, peaking in July at $4,555 and bottoming out in January at $1,180 — nearly a 4x spread. A secondary peak in October ($3,556) driven by fall foliage extends the high-earning window, giving investors roughly six months (May–November) of meaningfully stronger cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Clayton

Three-bedroom properties dominate Clayton's supply with 38 of 113 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms at 26. Larger configurations are notably underrepresented — only 8 listings have 5 bedrooms — which, combined with their strong revenue performance, may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Clayton

ADR climbs steeply with property size in Clayton, from $146 for 1-bedrooms to $551 for 5-bedroom listings. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($205) to 4 bedrooms ($294) is particularly notable, suggesting that the group-travel premium kicks in meaningfully at the 4-bedroom threshold.

Average RevPAN by property size in Clayton

Five-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $93, well ahead of 3-bedrooms at $57 and 4-bedrooms at $52, despite having lower occupancy rates. This gap indicates that the premium ADR on larger homes more than compensates for fewer booked nights, making them the most efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Clayton

Mid-sized properties lead on occupancy: 3-bedrooms fill 28% of available nights and 2-bedrooms reach 27%, while 4- and 5-bedroom units trail at 18% and 17% respectively. Investors targeting larger properties should expect fewer bookings but higher revenue per stay, making cash-flow planning around seasonal peaks especially important.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Clayton

Monthly revenue scales consistently with size, from $1,479 for 1-bedroom units up to $4,369 for 5-bedroom properties. Three-bedroom listings — the most common size — generate $2,866 per month, sitting right near the market average and representing the mainstream sweet spot for investors balancing acquisition cost against revenue.

Average annual revenue by property size in Clayton

Annual revenue ranges from $17,750 for 1-bedroom properties to $52,436 for 5-bedroom listings, with each additional bedroom adding roughly $7,000–$11,000 in yearly income. Given that 5-bedroom properties are the scarcest listing type with only 8 in the market, the combination of limited supply and top-tier revenue makes this segment particularly worth evaluating.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Clayton

Kitchens (99%), parking (97%), and washer/dryer combos (86–87%) are table stakes in Clayton — guests clearly expect full home amenities. Outdoor features dominate the differentiation layer: 87% of listings offer a patio or balcony, 81% have BBQ grills and outdoor furniture, while hot tubs (23%) and lake access (11%) remain relatively uncommon, presenting an opportunity for hosts to stand out.

Understanding Clayton's ROI Score: 53/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Clayton's ROI score of 53 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where demand is genuine but investor returns depend on careful property selection. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while the supply/demand balance scores below average — consistent with the 50% year-over-year listing growth outpacing demand absorption. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on amenity-rich, larger properties will help investors identify deals that outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Clayton

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Clayton. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Clayton, GA, and Rabun County may be required to obtain local permits or register their property before listing. Investors should verify current permit and zoning requirements with the City of Clayton and Rabun County offices before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restriction categories in Georgia mountain communities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, minimum stay requirements, parking regulations, and HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Because regulations can vary between the city and unincorporated county areas, it's important to confirm which jurisdiction applies to a specific property.

Tax Obligations

Georgia imposes state sales tax and a local hotel/motel tax on short-term rental stays, and Rabun County may levy additional lodging taxes. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm local tax obligations directly with the county tax office.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Clayton can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, expect Clayton's seasonal patterns to persist, with July and October continuing as the highest-revenue months and January–February remaining the softest. The 50% year-over-year listing growth suggests new supply is entering the market quickly, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. ADR may hold steady or see incremental gains of 1–3% given the area's appeal as a mountain destination, but investors should plan around a realistic occupancy range of 23–28% and build their pro formas conservatively."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Clayton, GA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Clayton?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Clayton is currently 25%, which trails the Georgia state average of 32%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2- and 3-bedroom listings performing best at 27–28%, while larger 4- and 5-bedroom properties see lower occupancy around 17–18%. Effective pricing strategies and seasonal adjustments can help hosts improve fill rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Clayton?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Clayton earn approximately $2,629 per month and $31,559 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $17,750 annually, while 5-bedroom properties can generate around $52,436. Peak months like July and October can push monthly revenue well above $3,500, whereas January and February typically fall below $1,250.

Is Clayton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Clayton earns an ROI score of 53 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers genuine revenue potential — especially for larger, well-appointed properties — but higher home values (averaging $681,376) and a 50% year-over-year increase in active listings mean investors need to be selective about deal sourcing. Properties with standout amenities like hot tubs, lake access, and outdoor living spaces tend to command the strongest returns.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Clayton?

The average daily rate across all Clayton Airbnb listings is $234, which is below the Georgia state average of $299. Rates scale meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom units average $146 per night, 3-bedrooms sit around $205, and 5-bedroom properties command an average of $551 per night. This premium pricing for larger homes reflects the group and family vacation demand that characterizes the market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Clayton?

Short-term rentals do operate in Clayton, GA, with 113 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local permits, registration, or zoning restrictions may apply depending on whether a property is within Clayton city limits or the broader Rabun County area. Prospective investors should consult local government offices and review any HOA covenants before purchasing to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Clayton?

Peak season in Clayton centers on summer and fall. July is the highest-revenue month at $4,555 in average monthly revenue, followed by October at $3,556 and August at $3,354. The fall foliage season keeps November strong at $3,255. Winter months represent the slowest period, with January ($1,180) and February ($1,224) generating the least revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Clayton?

As of April 2026, there are 113 active Airbnb listings in Clayton. The supply is concentrated in 2- and 3-bedroom properties (26 and 38 listings respectively), with fewer options at the 4-bedroom (15) and 5-bedroom (8) sizes. Notably, active listings have grown 50% year-over-year, indicating increasing investor interest in this mountain market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Clayton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Clayton are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, seasonal peaks (like July) and slower months (like January) are naturally reflected in the figures. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level benchmarks
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12 months of booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with local authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.